Lost Introduces Flash Forward

Next week's episode gives a glimpse of what ABC hopes is the next... Lost.

By Eric Goldman

ABC may not have officially announced Flash Forward as one of their new series for the 2009-2010 season yet, but they're already going to begin marketing it.

The Hollywood Reporter says that next week's Lost -- the 100th episode of the series – will feature the launch of a "stealth" promo campaign for Flash Forward during the commercial breaks. The Reporter didn't have details on what these ads would look like, but said they may direct viewers to a web site. An elaborate campaign is apparently in the works for Flash Forward, which comes from David S. Goyer (Batman Begins) and Brannon Braga (various Star Trek projects and a current 24 writer).

Obviously this makes it very safe to assume Flash Forward will be officially announced at next month's Upfronts and part of ABC's schedule next season. The Reporter notes that the show has always been seen as a potential companion to Lost - and a project the network would love to gain the same kind of passionate fandom, as Lost enters its final season. What remains to be seen is whether Flash Forward debuts in the fall or is held until 2010, when it could begin airing alongside Lost: Season 6.

Based on the novel by Robert J. Sawyer, Flash Forward's cast includes Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love), John Cho (Harold & Kumar / Star Trek), Sonya Walger (Penny on Lost) and Jack Davenport (the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy). The story follows what happens when a global event causes everyone on Earth to black out for 2 minutes and 17 seconds. The populace awakens to discover the many tragedies that occurred as a result of the phenomenon, while also infused with visions of their own future.